Investigation of the Appropriate Partial Level Density Formula for Pre-Equilibrium Nuclear Exciton Model

Ericson formula represents the first formula, which was suggested to describe the partial level density (PLD) formula in pre-equilibrium region of the nuclear reactions. Then a number of corrections were added to this formula in order to make it more suitable to physical meaning. In this paper, there are two aims to be done: the first aim is to study the correspondence between one and two-components formulae in Ericson, Pauli, and pairing corrections;the second aim is to compare and study the results of Comprehensive formula, which contents with all corrections, with Ericson, Pauli, and pairing formulae. The Comprehensive formula was suggested to simulate the reality. To achieve these aims the 56Fe and 90Zr nuclei were chosen and the results showed that the difference between one and two-components formulae was too small which can be neglected. Furthermore, the results strongly recommended that for cross section calculations of the nuclear reaction, one must use Comprehensive formula rather than Pauli formula.

Evaluation of Three Sunflower （Helianthus annuus L.） Hybrids for Salt Tolerance in Vitro

This study aimed to induce callus from three sunflower （Helianthus annulus L.） hybrids, namely Anna, Alhaja and Kuds, and to evaluate their callus for salt stress tolerance. Cotyledons and hypocotyl were taken from seedling of these hybrids and cultured on MS media contained 2,4-D （0,0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L） and kinetin （0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L）. The cultures incubated at 25 ＋ I^C under light condition （1,000 Lux） for 16 h/day. After 6 weeks observations were taken on the response of cotyledons and hypocotyl to callus induction. The induced callus were cultured on the same MS media that contained appropriate concentrations of 2,4-D and kinetin for callus induction as well as contained various concentration of sodium chloride NaCI （0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2%）. After six weeks callus fresh and dry weights, proline and total carbohydrates concentrations were measured. The results showed significant differences among the hybrids, explants, 2,4-D and kinetin concentration and significant interaction between them in their percentage response for callus induction. The results also revealed that fresh and dry weights were significantly reduced with increased NaCI concentration in the medium, hybrids showed significant differences in their response to salt stress. Proline and total carbohydrate concentration increased in callus as NaCI increased in the media. Significant interaction was showed between hybrids and NaCI concentration in these parameters.

Phytoplankton Index of Biological Integrity (P-IBI) in Several Marshes, Southern IRAQ

Indices of Biological Integrity (IBIs) are being increasingly used as useful and direct tools for assessing general health of aquatic ecosystems. Although such ecosystems in Iraq, especially the southern marshes, underwent severe alterations during the last two decades, including extensive desiccation in the 1990s, such tools are largely lacking. Phytoplankton Index of Biological Integrity (P-IBI) was developed from data collected seasonally from 2005 up to 2007 in different sites of the southern marshes of Iraq to evaluate the trend of these ecosystems based on phytoplankton data. Ten metrics were selected for measuring P-IBI for the first time in Iraq as a proposed project from Nature Iraq and Twin Rivers Institute, American University of Iraq-Sulaimani. Although generally fluctuated both spatially and temporally, mean P-IBI scores showed better conditions in Al Hawizeh marsh (Good) as compared to the Central and West & East Al Hammar marshes (Fair to Good). However, the results generally indicated evidence of improvement at the Central and West & East Al Hammar marshes, whereas no recovery of the status of water was evident throughout the data obtained at Al Hawizeh marsh. Values were generally higher in winter. These observations clearly reflect the relative stability of the Hawizeh marsh ecosystem which was not subject to the desiccation process in the 1990s, while the severely dried systems of the Central and Hammar marshes are showing positive responses to the restoration efforts that were started after 2003. Among the ten metrics comprising the index, relative abundance of diatoms had the most prominent effect on the P-IBI value in the three marshes. Metrics such as chlorophyll- a concentration and relative abundance of Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta also played a significant role in determining the index value. Continuous monitoring based on the selection of the most suitable metrics is recommended.

Biodegradation of Kirkuk light crude oil by <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>, Northern of Iraq

This study was conducted to identify the viability of Bacillus thuringiensis bacterial on a bio-degradation process for Kirkuk light crude oil. The viable count of Bacillus thuringiensis showed great capability on the biodegradation of crude oil. These bacteria exhibit the ability to dismantle crude oil through clear emulsion layer of crude oil. And they have a good efficiency to dismantle hydrocarbon compounds by 80%, and total biomass reaches to 5 g/l, while the amount of emulsion reaches to 2.3 g/l. For more evidences on the biodegradation action of Bacillus thuringiensis which have been supported by using the technology of gas-Chromatography which confirms the occurring of biodegradation process. The visual examination of gas-Chromatography shows the disappearance of a number of chemicals, as well as decrease in peak area for some material.

Rational drug design,synthesis,and biological evaluation of novel N-(2-arylaminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamides as potential antimalarial,antifungal,and antibacterial agents

Objective Sulfanilamide,sulfadiazine,and dapsone were the first sulfonamides to be used to treat malaria by disrupting the folate biosynthesis process,which is essential for parasite survival.Therefore,we aimed to synthesize novel N-(2-arylaminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamide derivatives through a rational drug design approach.Methods All compounds were synthesized by the conventional method,and the products were characterized by spectral analysis(1 H NMR and mass spectrometry).The progression of the reaction was monitored using thin-layer chromatography(TLC).All the derivatives were analyzed for their effective binding mode in the allosteric site of the plasmodium cysteine protease falcipain-2.Antibacterial and antifungal activities were determined using the broth dilution method.Results S6(N-(2-thiazol-4 yl)-acetyl-aminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamide and S9(N-(1 H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)aminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamide formed five hydrogen bonds;S8(N-(2-1 H-imidazol-2 yl)aminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamide and S10(N-(1 H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)aminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamide formed four hydrogen bonds with the allosteric site of the enzyme.Considering the docking scores and formation of hydrogen bonds with the target enzyme,the novel derivatives were processed for wet lab synthesis.All the newly synthesized derivatives were subjected to in vitro antimalarial,antifungal,and antibacterial activities.All the derivatives exhibited sufficient sensitivity to the Plasmodium falciparum strain compared to the standards.Moreover,compounds S9 and S10 showed the most potent dual antimicrobial and antimalarial activities.They also exhibited powerful molecular interactions in molecular docking studies.Conclusion Based on the above results,it was concluded that N-(2-arylaminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-6-sulfonamide derivatives have excellent biological potential to act as antimalarial,antifungal,and antibacterial agents.

Systematic Investigation of Two-Phase Flow in Special Channels

A systematic study of two-phase(water-air)currents in open channels(water-air)has been conducted by means of experiments and numerical simulations.A dedicated device has been designed and manufactured on purpose.The numerical simulations have been based on the solution of a system of mass,momentum and energy balance equations for a two-phase fluid.The effect of different influential parameters has been explored,namely,velocity and dimensions of the channel,surface pressure and tension.

The Effect of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Some Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites： A Comparative Study

A new type of inorganic-polymer materials of epoxy Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide was prepared. In this work, the mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles were investigated. Three points bending tests demonstrated an enhancement in flexural strength and flexural modulus respectively, compared to the pure epoxy. The reinforcement of nanoparticulate materials was Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide with various weight fraction. Experimental tests results indicated that the composite materials have significantly higher modulus of elasticity than the matrix material. It was found that the enhancement in modulus of elasticity was directly proportional to the weight fraction of reinforcement material, and that Zinc Oxide composites have higher modulus of elasticity than Titanium Dioxide composites with equivalent of weight fraction. The wear results showed that nanoparticles improved the wear resistance of epoxy nanocomposites, the Titanium Dioxide matrix particles could improve the wear resistance of the epoxy more efficiently than Zinc Oxide particles. The fatigue test showed that the fatigue resistance of epoxy Zinc Oxide matrix particles was higher than that of Titanium Dioxide matrix particles.

Synthesis, Reactions and Characterization of 1,1’-(1,4-Phenylenebis(3-amino-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4,5-diyl))bis(ethan-1-one)

Reaction of 4,4’-(1,4-phenylene)bis(5-acetyl-6-methyl-2-thioxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile) (1) with methyl iodide afforded the 4,4’-(1,4-phenylene)bis(5-acetyl-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)nicotinonitrile) (2). The reaction of 2 with hydrazine hydrate followed by diazotization reaction af-forded the 1,1’-(1,4-phenylenebis(3-amino-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4,5-diyl))bis(e-than-1-one) (3) and 1,1’-(1,4-phenylenebis(3-(chlorodiazenyl)-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]-pyridine-4,5-diyl))bis(ethan-1-one) (4) respectively. On the other hand, reaction of 4 with malononitrile, 2-cyanoethanethioamide, ethyl acetoacetate, acetyl acetone, ethyl benzoylacetate, diethylmalonate, ethyl cyanoacetate and phenacylbromide aiming to build up pyrazolotriazine or pyrazole ring on the ring system of 4. Structures of all newly synthesized heterocyclic compounds in the present study were confirmed by considering the data of IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra as well as that of elemental analyses.

Some Aspects of Biology and Control Methods of Fruit Stalk Borer Oryctes elegans Prell （Coleoptera： Scarabaeidae）

Laboratory and field studies were conducted on some aspects of biology and control methods of fruit stalk borer Oryctes elegans Prell., the study was conducted in date palm orchards in south Baghdad during the years 2009 and 2010. The laboratory rearing result ofO. elegans indicated that the larval stage period was very long reached 6 months, the body weight of the mature larva was 7.61 gm, the length and body circumference were 7.58 and 5.23 cm respectively. The period of pupa stage was 19 day and 2.97 gm body weight, while the length and body circumference were 3.74 and 3.21 cm respectively .While the weight of adult stage was 1.67 gm and 3.14 cm, 2.71 cm for the length and circumference body respectively. Results of hand collection larvae in palm trees during the regular annual service, showed reduction in population density of adults to 1.4 adult/trap per week compared with 3.3 and 14.0 adult/trap per week in the orchards were larvae collected partially and without hand collection by using the light traps with solar energy （Magna Traps, Russell IPM） respectively. Also, the study proved the existence of an inverse relation between the moon light and adult activity, which affected on the adult number cough in light traps. These results indicated that the hand collection of larvae works during months January, February, March and April at synchronized with the larval stage on palm trees, and use Magna Traps as an effective method to control O. elegans through IPM programs in palm orchards.

Study of the Effect of Himreen Dam on the Phytoplankton Diversity in Dyala River, Iraq

In present study three stations are located on Diyala River has been investigated to study phytoplankton community, the first station was located in jalawlaa area, second station in Himreen impoundment, while the third station is located after the Himreen Dam in Al-Soddur area, A total 134 taxa of Phytoplankton were identified during the study period, 63, 82 and 84 were identified in stations 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The higher density of Phytoplankton observed in station 3, result ranged between 21.16 - 23.88 × 102 cell/l during September and October respectively, then station 2 which has density ranged between 18.44 - 66.188 × 102 cell/l during January and September respectively, while the station 1 has the lowest values during the study comparable to other stations, the result ranged between 5.495 - 70.62 × 102 cell/l during January and April respectively. Species Richness Index ranged from 2.9 - 7.46 in station 1, 4.08 - 7.85 in station 2 and 5.71 - 8.77 in station 3. The result revels that the station 3 show to increase in Richness index value in the most of the months comparable to other stations. The Similarity index also has been calculated among the common species of Phytoplankton through the three station by using the Hierarchical cluster analysis is the highest Similarity percentage in reach in 43.5% for the common species of Phytoplankton between stations 2 and 3.

A Contribution to the Epipelic Algal Ecology in Lotic Ecosystem of Iraq

The study was conducted on epipleic diatoms in a lotic ecosystem. The Al-Shamiyah River was selected which is a distance from industrial activities. Four sites along the river were selected for sampling during the period from March 2013 to February 2014. A total of 173 species of epipelic diatoms were identified. The pennate diatoms predominated and represented about 92.49% of the total diatoms, while centric diatoms formed only 7.51%. The total number of diatoms ranged between 185.1 - 422.34 cell × 104/cm2. Some of the pennate diatom species were Achnanthes affinis Grunow, Achnanthes mintussima Küetzing, Cocconeis placentula var. euglypta (Ehr.) Cleve, Cymbella affinis Küetzing, Diatoma vulgare Bory, Fragilaria capucina Desmazieres, Gomphonema angustatum var. productu Grun., Navicula lanceolata (Ag.) Kuetzing, Navicula radiosa Küetzing, Navicula viridula Küetzing, Nitzschia palea (Kutz.) W. Smith,?Nitzschia romana Grunow. The physicochemical and epipelic algae species indicated that the water quality of the river was clean to moderate water quality.

Synthesis of Multifunctionalised 2-Substituted Benzimidazoles Using Copper (II) Hydroxide as Efficient Solid Catalyst

Here we demonstrate the synthesis of multifunctionalised benzimidazoles through the coupling of o-phenylenediamine with aldehydes by using Copper (II) hydroxide as an efficient solid catalyst in methanol at room temperature. The Copper (II) hydroxide solid catalyst gave better yields (80%-99%) in short reaction time (4-8 h). These commercially available cheap catalysts are more active than many reported expensive heterogeneous catalysts. Using the Copper hydroxide fresh catalyst, the yield of product 3a was 98%, while the recovered catalyst in the three subsequent cycles gave the yield of 94%, 90% and 88% respectively.

Quality, Quantity and Origin of PAHs （Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons） in Lotic Ecosystem of Al-Hilla River, Iraq

The Euphrates River is one of the major rivers in Iraq. When it reaches north of Hilla city, it will be divided in two branches. One of these braches flows toward Hilla city. On this branch, six locations were studied for the water quality of the Euphrates water. The present paper is aimed to fill the gap of information of the presence of PAHs （poly aromatic hydrocarbons） in water and sediment of AI-Hilla River, as well as to determine the quality and quantity of some PAHs. The depth of the river ranges from 2 m to 6 m. The quality, quantity and the origin of PAHs were studied in the water and sediment of Al-Hilla River. In addition, some physical and chemical properties were studied at six sites along the studied area, for the period March, 2010 to February, 2011. Sixteen PAHs that are listed by USEPA （US Environmental Protection Agency） as priority pollutants （Nap （naphthalene）, Acpy （acenaphthylene）, Acp （acenaphthene）, Flu （fluorine）, Phen （phenanthrene）, Ant （anthracene）, Flur （fluoranthene）, Py （pyrene）, B（a）A （benzo（a）anthracene）, Chry （chrysene）, B（b）F （benzo（b）fluoranthene）, B（k）F （benzo（k）fluoranthene）, B（a）p （benzo（a）pyrene）, BbA （dibenzo（a,h）anthracene）, B（ghi）P （benzo（ghi）perylene） and Ind （indeno （1,2,3-cd） pyrene）） were detected in Al-Hilla river. High concentrations of PAHs were detected in the sediment relative to that within the water. The present study revealed that the origin of PAHs in water and sediment might be the pyrogenic origin.

Assessment of Environmental Changes in the Iraqi Marshes by Index of Biological Integrity

Preventing water flow through the marshes in southern Iraq was a policy of the previous regime in Iraq during 1990’s. This phenomena lead to tremendous structural changes in ecosystems, however after 2003 rehabilitation policy applied to the area was implementd in order to re-establish marshes ecosystems. In this study, a zooplankton Index of Biotic Integrity (Z-IBI) was measured for the first time in different sites in the Iraqi marshes. The following eight metrics were used: zooplankton ratio, relative abundance of Calanoid, relative abundance of Cyclopoid, relative abundance of Cladocera, relative abundance of Rotifera, biomass of tolerant species, biomass of sensitive species, and ratio of zooplankton biomass to phytoplankton biomass. Results of application of Z-IBI on the Iraqi marshes in this study indicate a slight improvement of water quality in the central marshes and degradation in other parts of the marshes. This work may fill part of the existing research gap in the application of the IBI index in Iraqi inland waters to illustrate the effects of previous deterioration in water quality.